Graduate Nursing Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership- Offered in a blended online format

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree emphasizes the highest level of education in order to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing roles. The DNP offered by Edgewood College is in indirect care (Leadership). Graduates of this program bring the best practices to managing health services, having competence in care systems management, and providing evidence-based care and translational research methods.

a customized practicum experience (500-1000 hours based on previous practicum experience in a master’s program)

Edgewood College's DNP in Leadership is a 30 credit program. BSN-prepared candidates with a master's degree in fields other than nursing may also be considered for admission. Transcripts of students whose master’s degrees are from disciplines other than nursing are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to assure attainment of prerequisite knowledge and leadership experience. Additional course work beyond the 30 credit requirement may be necessary to meet all of the essentials of doctoral education for advanced practice in leadership.

BSN-prepared candidates may be considered for the DNP program by first successfully completing the MSN degree in either track (administration or education).

Program Highlights:

Complete your post-master's degree in just 2 years

Blended online courses meet face-to-face in the evenings 2-3 times during the semester; all other coursework done online

Degree can be done part-time or full-time

Enroll each fall, spring, and summer semester

Program Goals

At the end of the program, graduates will:

Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genomics and genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing and health care across diverse settings

Conceptualize new care delivery models based on contemporary nursing science, organizational and systems leadership that are feasible within current organizational, political, cultural, and economic perspectives

Translate new science, its application and evaluation; as well as generate evidence through their practice to guide practice improvements

Use information systems/technology to support and improve patient care and healthcare systems

Analyze the policy process and engage in politically competent action at the institutional, local, state, regional, federal, and international levels through the interface between practice, research, and policy

Analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, occupational, and environmental data in the development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical (disease and illness) prevention and population health

Demonstrate assessment and base practice on the application of biophysical, psychosocial, behavioral, sociopolitical, cultural, economic, and nursing science as appropriate in their area of specialization [leadership]

"Edgewood has done a great job of preparing us for this next chapter in our careers. I have really benefited from the face to face interactions I've had with my classmates. Learning from one another first hand has proven to be in-valuable. I have felt encouraged and supported by the Edgewood College faculty from day one. They are always available and eager to help each and every student along the way. I could not have chosen a better program, and am thrilled with what my education has done for me!"

Jessica Dern
Director of Professional Services for UW Health at The American Center

All DNP Graduates may be prepared to sit for national specialty certifications in several options below. Additional individual review and study will be necessary for successful completion of any of these exams:

Graduate Mission

The Edgewood College Graduate Nursing Programs are designed to develop nurses into leaders with advanced knowledge, Dominican values, and the ability to contribute to the changing, diverse health care environment. Advanced roles in nursing require further enhancement of critical reasoning and decision-making skills as theory is translated into practice. The programs provide individuals with the opportunity to pursue professional development within a scholarly environment.